As the UK aerospace sector works to accelerate its journey towards net-zero, industry leaders are warning that long-term success will depend not only on technology, but on talent. The sector’s ability to attract young engineers, apprentices and graduates is becoming increasingly critical – and companies across the supply chain are stepping up their efforts to inspire the next generation.
The message echoes recent comments from GKN Aerospace’s Stephen Cowan, who highlighted the need to challenge public perceptions around aviation and sustainability, arguing that aerospace is “one of the best sectors to drive real climate impact, through advances in lightweight composites, sustainable fuels, and hydrogen propulsion.”
For ANT Industries, the precision aerospace manufacturer based in Atherstone, Warwickshire, the skills agenda is not theoretical – it is central to the company’s business model and future growth.
“We’ve built our export success on capability, precision and technical skill,” said Shaun Rowley, Managing Director of ANT Industries. “But none of that is possible without talented people. If we want UK aerospace to lead in net-zero technologies, we have to make this industry exciting, visible and accessible to young people.”
ANT manufactures high-precision rings, casings and complex components for global aerospace and gas turbine customers. More than 80% of its products are exported, with long-term order commitments stretching several years ahead. Yet Rowley stresses that sustaining this growth requires a pipeline of new engineers.
“There’s a perception out there that aerospace is yesterday’s industry,” he said. “In reality, it’s at the forefront of electrification, hydrogen propulsion, and radical improvements in engine efficiency. If you care about sustainability, aerospace is one of the most impactful places you can work. We need to communicate that better – starting in schools, not just at apprenticeship fairs.”
The company has expanded its investment in young engineers, increased in-house development programmes and has worked with local institutions to promote machining, metrology and manufacturing engineering as long-term career paths. Rowley believes the key is showing young people what modern aerospace looks like.
“When someone walks into our facility and sees advanced five-axis machining, digital inspection technology and complex assemblies destined for aircraft engines, it changes how they think about manufacturing,” he said. “This is high-precision, high-accountability work with global impact. That message needs to reach more classrooms.”
He also notes the broader economic implications.
“Every skilled job we create here supports the wider supply chain – in tooling, testing, materials, logistics. Developing talent isn’t just about ANT, it’s about strengthening UK aerospace as a whole.”
The challenge, he says, is urgency.
“We can’t wait ten years for the skills gap to become a crisis. The work to inspire and train future engineers has to start now. If the next generation wants to help the world transition to sustainable flight, there are few better industries to be part of – and we’re ready to welcome them.”
As the sector prepares for its next wave of innovation, companies like ANT Industries believe the opportunity is clear: aerospace can be part of the climate solution – but it needs more young minds on board.